Released Date : 11 Aug, 2023
Avg. User's Rating : 3.5/5
Story: Anna, a former KGB operative turned chef, has her new restaurant hit by the local mafia to collect her husband's debts. Anna must now rely on her lethal skills as she embarks on a violent spree, taking out the entire crime syndicate one by one to save her restaurant and survive the night.
Review: Director Zach Golden's 'High Hit' ventures into action and comedy territory but stumbles in its attempt to deliver a truly satisfying cinematic experience. While the film showcases well-choreographed action sequences that are a testament to Golden's direction, it struggles to measure up in other critical aspects, leaving it feeling somewhat hollow.
The film follows Anna (Olga Kurylenko), a chef and co-owner of a restaurant with her husband Ray (Don Johnson). As their restaurant prepares for its opening night, tensions rise in the kitchen, with Anna's delicate nature clashing with the excitement of the event. The night takes a dark turn when Ray's old friend Dom (Dallas Page) demands repayment of a significant debt. The situation escalates when Dom's enforcers try to set fire to the restaurant, causing Anna to take matters into her own hands.
Golden's knack for creating compelling action scenes is evident, holding the audience's attention during these intense sequences. However, the film fails when it comes to maintaining the same level of engagement throughout. This shortcoming is exacerbated by James Pedersen's script, which lacks the depth and plot needed to drive a truly compelling story line. The comedic elements sprinkled throughout the narrative often fall flat, failing to achieve the desired effect.
The film features a cast of notable actors, including Olga Kurylenko and Don Johnson, known for their strong performances in other works. However, 'High Hit' fails to exploit the full potential of this talent, leaving their characters feeling flat and lacking in depth.
Drawing on his experience from films like 'Quantum of Solace', Kurylenko's mastery of the action sequences shows, the film struggles to weave a coherent narrative to complement his skills. Johnson's performance is admirable, but even his presence can't fully redeem the film's flaws.
In short, 'High Hit' tries to combine action and comedy in the span of a night but falls short due to its uninspired script and poor execution. While it has its moments, the film's overall narrative progression undermines its potential impact. Despite the participation of a notable cast and well-executed action scenes, the film fails to stand out and leave a lasting impression on the audience. It's an overnight escapism that struggles to distinguish itself from similar offerings in the genre.